USS Stevens DD-479

Plastic model kit to build the destroyer USS Stevens DD-479

• Scale 1:350
• Dimensions LxW (built): 327.6 mm x 34.8 mm
• 420+ parts
• One-piece hull
• Photo-etched parts included
• Detailed flight and hangar deck
• With display stand
• unbuilt / unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The USS Stevens DD-479 is a Fletcher class destroyer of the United States Navy, named in honor of Rear Admiral Thomas Holdep Stevens III. Construction began on December 30, 1941, was completed on June 24, 1942, and entered service on February 1, 1943.

As one of the pioneers in the aviation of US Navy destroyers, the Stevens dismantled the third gun position and the second torpedo launch tube, and added a water jet catapult behind the second chimney to recover equipment used by seaplanes, including cranes, and renovated the rear superstructure.

After a series of tests and practical applications, the US Navy found that the airworthiness of aircraft modified destroyers was low in harsh sea conditions, and the presence of seaplanes and catapults installed caused the center of gravity of the ship to shift backwards, resulting in an imbalance of the center of gravity. And the space limitations of carrier based seaplanes placed on destroyers caused a series of operational obstacles, and later in late 1943, the Stevens was converted back to its original Fletcher class armament status. The modified Stevens was dispatched to the Western Pacific region from 1943 to 1945 to cover island landings, provide firepower support, and patrol missions. After the war in 1946, the Stevens returned to San Pedro, California and was decommissioned and sealed on July 2, 1946, remaining in the Pacific Reserve Fleet until it was delisted and dismantled in December 1972.